Could you start by telling us a little about your background such as if you were you a sporty person when you were younger, and how long you had a break from playing sports before you got involved with Walking Football?
I played football up until my late teens and apart from the odd kick around I didn’t play until I started playing Walking Football aged 50 so probably 30 years of just being an armchair sportsman. I put on a lot of weight in those 30 years and to begin Walking Football was part of a plan to help lose that weight and get fitter, but has become much more. I have always loved the game with a passion and playing again has done me no end of good.
How long have you played Walking Football?
6months.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
To help me lose weight and get fit.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Twice a week.
Can you let the readers know about your Walking Football sessions in regards of which age group are they for, are they male only, female only or unisex sessions?
We have a 50+ and 60+ teams. We are largely an all male team, but we do have one remarkable lady who plays and we are open and welcoming to all.
When you play a game of Walking Football do you play to the WFA, WFS, WFU or FA rules and why did your club decide to follow those rules of the game?
Not 100% but I think FA.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
It’s amazing, never thought I would get so much from it, never really believed that sport and being active would help with thedepression that I suffered from but I am feeling so much better since I started playing. Has also helped me with confidence and made new friends. And springboarded me into going to the gym, long walks and bike riding, yeah it’s a real buzz.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Proper warm up, and sticking to the rules especially on running and physical contact.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Am yet to play, our Tournament had to be cancelled as it coinsided with the weather breaking in the middle of summer so pitch was a pond, but am hopeful I will get some matches. Dexters FC have been instrumental in forming an Dorset FA league which begins in October.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
I was already dieting before I started playing, but the Walking football has complemented the diet enormously. Smaller plates and portions, low fat, high fibre and plenty of fruit and veg. Mainly chicken and fish for proteins or very lean beef. Small low cal pudding 20% of the time (1 in 5 days). Cut out most of the takeaways so once a month i have Chinese. No Mac Donald’s or KFC.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
I feel a lot fitter and healthier since I started playing, it has helped me with weight loss and I am now able to do things I wouldnt done before, ie gym work, cycling and walking. I seem to have slot more energy and get up and go.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Yeah sadly I picked up a fairly bad calf strain caused by trying too hard before I was fit enough and not sticking to the rules as it happened when I did a 5 yard sprint. Thankfully through good rehab and gym work focused on my core I have come back a lot fitter.
Do you always have a club member present who has had first aid training at your games and training sessions, and is there a defibrillator available if needed?
Yes we have both.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Yes I am making new friends.
Does your club or facility where you play Walking Football hold any social or charity events connected with Walking Football and if so what were they?
Yes they do but I am yet to attend any as none have come up since I started.
If you could sum up the benefits or enjoyment Walking Football brings you with a single quote, what would that quote be?
Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best memories, feeling part of something and loving the game even more. Worst memory getting injured just before World cup started and thinking that’s your World over lol but actually worrying about not being able to play in our Tournament.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Improved my self confidence, self esteem, state of mind, looking after myself better and always got something to look forward to.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
Playing the game, camaraderie and team spirit.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Club politics.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
I was finding it very difficult at first but since return from injury finding it easier as I don’t wanna do the same again. Keep the rules in mind, it says it all on the label “Walking Football”. You have to be on everyone’s case as those that do run spoil it somewhat for those that don’t because of the obvious advantage they get. Works best in training if u have strict ref to stay on top of it.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Keep improving as player and team, become more involved and to carry on enjoying it as much as I am now.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to play but is nervous about approaching a club or attending a Walking Football session for the first time?
It wasn’t that long ago that I was a new comer to walking football, I had been thinking about it for a couple of years before I turned 50 but thought it was just gonna carry on as just a thought. I had suffered with depression for what seemed like a lifetime and also had agoraphobic tendencies with anxiety disorder.
I didn’t think I’d ever actually do it I was so scared. Took me 3 months after I turned 50 to just make a few phonecalls to make enquiries. I found a team local to me and when I made the phonecall found the coach very welcoming and encouraging. So I decided to give it a go.
Again the whole team were welcoming and encouraging from the start, all people my own age and older with similar goals, asperations and inspirations to my own, I really felt like I was in the right place.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They are all a bit amazed but very happy for me.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
